When you ask a language student what their goals are, almost everyone says “improve my speaking”. When learning a foreign language, you’ll find yourself talking with all kinds of native speakers – your teacher, servers in restaurants, taxi drivers and your landlord, so it’s vital that you feel comfortable. Just like improving your writing, listening or any other skill, there are techniques you can use to improve your spoken English in a targeted way. Here are eight of our favorites:
1. Speak, Speak, Speak
Let’s start right off by saying that there isn’t a magic pill for better speaking. That would be too easy, right? Basically, the best way to speak better is to, well – speak! Commit to practicing often and with as many different people as possible. Do you already live or study overseas? Take advantage of the thousands of native speakers in your immediate community, such as your friends, their families, your coworkers, classmates, employees at the coffee shops, supermarket, post-office and other places you visit. If you’re learning in your own country, increase your practice time by meeting your classmates after class, finding a language exchange partner or joining an online community of learners.
2. Reflect on Your Conversations
After your conversation is over, take a moment to reflect. How did it go? How much do you think you understood? How comfortable did you feel with that subject matter? Did you encounter any unknown words? The mere act of thinking about it in this way will increase your confidence for the next time you speak (and give your targeted things to work on, for example vocabulary you didn’t understand).
3. Listen and Read
You need words in order to talk, right? Class time is great for learning vocabulary, but there are other ways you can increase yours: Watch movies, listen to music, the radio and to podcasts. Read books, magazines and blogs. When listening and reading, find new and interesting expressions, slang terms and synonyms, write down this new material and look up anything you’re not familiar with. All this will provide more “meat” for you to use next time you practice.
4. Prepare Cheat Sheets
Part of nervousness around speaking is the feeling of not knowing what to say. To combat this, prepare a cheat sheet. Are you going to the doctor? Before your appointment, research vocabulary relating to your condition and some common phrases you’ll probably need. Use the technique before going to pay a bill, eating at a restaurant, job interviews, making a complaint, or for any other situation that might make you anxious.
5. Pick Up the Phone
Most people find phone conversations particularly challenging. Why? Because on the phone, we can’t see the other person’s body language or watch their mouth move, both of which are tools that really help communication. To feel more confident on the phone, start small with phone conversations with friends – then move on to more challenging calls like making appointments or inquiries. (This is a great time to use tip 4 and prepare a list of questions and useful vocabulary to help you during your call!)
6. Record Your Voice
We know, we know – most people dislike hearing their voice recorded – but it’s an extremely beneficial way to improve your speaking! Hearing yourself on tape shows you things you might not realize (maybe you tend to speak quickly when nervous, swallow your “s’s” or mumble). On the other hand, you could be pleasantly surprised to hear that your speaking is far better than you thought! For bonus points, take your recording to your teacher or to a native speaker friend and have them give you feedback.
7. Learn Phrases Rather Than Single Words
Another tip to increase your fluency is to speak using a variety of phrases rather than individual words. (You probably do this all the time in your native language.) Instead of automatically asking “Hello, how are you today?”, mix it up by choosing other expressions like “What’s up, man?” “Hey dude!” or “How ya going, mate?” (Be careful though: Some expressions will be very informal and not ideal for some situations!)
8. Have Fun
Let’s face it. It’s far easier to learn something new when you’re having fun. Inject silliness into your speaking practice by talking to yourself when you’re alone, singing along with popular songs in English, doing tongue twisters (Try our top tongue twisters) or doing one-minute “impromptu speeches” on randomly-chosen topics (such as snakes, coffee, India or subjects such as “If I ruled the world, I would…”, “Three surprising facts about me,” or “Which came first, the chicken or the egg?”). Great practice and great, silly fun.
Also, remember that RPI College offers the following courses to help with writing and speaking:
Source: Education First
Read More PostsHave you ever been in a situation where a teacher asked a question in English class, and you knew the answer but didn’t say it because of your spoken English language skills? Many students also face this challenge. Speaking well in English takes a lot of practice. Some people find it easier to pick up a new language, but others might need more practice. So, don't be too hard on yourself. Let's look at some tips to help you improve your spoken English.
1. Listen Carefully
Pay attention to how native speakers use English words. Listening helps improve your speaking skills. Also, remember that a word can sound different depending on the accent, but it does not mean that the word is wrong.
2. Practice Speaking Daily
Practice makes perfect! Make it a habit to speak in English every day. You can talk to yourself, speak with friends or language partners to build your confidence. Improving your spoken English is not an easy task, but the more you practice, the more confident you'll become.
3. Speak Slowly and Clearly
Take your time while speaking English. When you speak too fast, you might make mistakes or say the wrong thing. So, say the words to yourself first and then speak clearly. If needed, ask the listener if they understood you to improve your spoken English language confidence.
4. Overcome the Fear of Making Mistakes
Mistakes are a natural part of learning English. Even experts make mistakes. So, don't be afraid of them. Instead, take mistakes as learning opportunities that will help you to improve your spoken English language skills.
5. Practice with Other English Language Learners
If you're not comfortable speaking with native English speakers, try practising with other students who are also learning English. They understand what you're going through and are learning just like you. Plus, they won't be too concerned about your mistakes because they will be focused on themselves to see if they're speaking English correctly! So, don't worry and start practising with your classmates and see how your spoken English language confidence increases.
6. Watch Movies and TV Shows
To understand different accents, you can watch movies and TV shows. This will show you how people from various backgrounds say different words. Listen closely and try saying the words yourself. It's also a fun way to learn new words and improve your spoken English language confidence.
7. Ask the Experts
Learning from experts is the best way to improve your spoken English. This is where RPI College comes in. Our experienced and well-trained team of English language experts can teach you how to improve your language skills. When you know how to fit the right words together in a sentence, you will feel more confident speaking English in front of others.
Remember, improving your spoken English language will take time and effort. Take your time and enjoy the learning journey. We would also recommend taking our RP English or “General English” course that has a strong focus on communication skills!
Source: English Path
Read More PostsChoosing the best IELTS preparation courses can make all the difference, but since there are many IELTS preparation classes to choose from, selecting one that fits your schedule and meets your learning style can be challenging. To help you overcome this challenge, we have created the ultimate guide to the IELTS exam, including types of exam, characteristics of a good course and the factors you should consider to make the best choice possible.
Before you begin the process of looking for the right IELTS preparation course, it is important to get a clearer picture of what the IELTS exam is and why you need to take it.
What is IELTS?
IELTS (International English Language Testing System) is an internationally recognised English language proficiency test for non-native English speakers. A key thing to know is that it is accepted and trusted by over 12,000 institutions (and yes, that includes higher education institutions as well) in 140 countries. There are different types of IELTS exams to suit various needs, that’s why it’s important to find the right test for you before choosing the IELTS preparation course and classes.
Types of IELTS Exam
The goal of any IELTS exam is to help you have a successful journey whether you’re moving to a country for study, work or any other purpose. IELTS test types can generally be divided into two categories:
IELTS Academic: IELTS Academic is the best option for you if you want to study in an English-speaking country. It is accepted by universities, higher education institutions and professional bodies in different sectors.
IELTS General Training: If you want to migrate to countries like Australia, Canada, New Zealand, or the UK where English is the primary mode of communication or plan to train or study at a level below degree-level in these countries, then IELTS General Training is the test you should choose.
RPI College offers an IELTS Exam Preparation Course as well as an IELTS Intensive Course. Both are aimed to prepare IELTS candidates for the Academic and General Training versions of the exam.
Understanding Your IELTS Preparation Needs
Once you have decided which IELTS test you would like to take, then it is time to prepare for your examination. You need to think about the four key points below before you can look into which IELTS preparation classes are most suitable for you.
1. Check your current English language proficiency level to choose the best IELTS preparation course. You can do this by taking signing up on our website to take our free placement test.
2. Be clear about the band score you want to achieve and look for classes that can help you reach that goal.
3. Identify your strengths and weaknesses in English listening, reading, writing, and speaking.
4. Explore your learning style. Would you be comfortable with physical classrooms or self-paced online learning?
Key Features of the Best IELTS Preparation Courses
There are some key factors that make an IELTS preparation course a great fit. These include:
Experienced teachers: Look for IELTS preparation classes taught by qualified teachers with experience in preparing students for the IELTS exam. They will know how to help you improve your skills for the exam.
Course structure: Opt for well-structured IELTS preparation courses that focus on helping you improve and develop your skills and exam techniques so that you reach your goal.
Learning style: Search for IELTS preparation classes that match your learning style and fit your schedule. If you lead a busy life, you can always take online IELTS courses. Online classes offer you the flexibility to learn in your own time.
Tips for Making the Most of Your IELTS Preparation Classes
Deciding which IELTS preparation course to take is not the end of your journey to achieving your dream score. In fact, the journey really starts when you begin attending your classes. Here are very simple but useful tips on how to get the most out of your IELTS preparation classes. By applying the following practical tips, you will be able to develop the necessary skills and achieve your target score in the IELTS exam.
Regularly attend your classes: Do not miss your IELTS preparation classes. Attend all the classes and actively participate in discussions.
Target your weak areas: Rather than focusing on what you already know, target the areas that need improvement. Make a point of working on them regularly.
Practice time management: During the IELTS exam, you will be presented with a number of questions, and you will have a limited amount of time to answer them. Take practice mock exams under timed conditions to learn how to answer all the questions.
Reach out to your teachers: If there is a section of the exam you do not understand, don't hesitate to ask your teachers. It's important that you clarify all your doubts and questions before the exam.
It’s not easy to find the right IELTS preparation course, but with this ultimate guide, we believe that you will be able to make the right choices. Our IELTS courses can help you improve your listening, reading, writing, and speaking skills to achieve your target IELTS band score.
Our IELTS preparation classes will equip you with the skills to respond to various circumstances in an English-speaking environment by enhancing your fluency in the English language. Our teachers will equip you with exam strategies and tips to attain your desired score. Join RPI College today to make your academic, professional, and personal dreams come true!
Source: English Path
Read More PostsLearning English opens doors to exciting opportunities. But sometimes, finding things to talk about can be hard. It can feel like climbing Mount Everest, especially when you have just started learning English. But no need to worry! RPI College is here to make it easier.
We'll help you find smart English topics for conversation. These topics will not only help you to enjoy talking more with others but also improve your speaking skills as you learn. So, start with these interesting conversation topics for English learners, and soon, you won't need to think of topics to talk about. Ideas will come to you with ease. Let’s begin!
1. Practise Your Greetings and Introductions
Starting a conversation with someone you've just met can be difficult. You might be unsure about what to say and what things you can talk about. That's where plain old greetings and introductions come in. Practise saying common phrases like "Hello," "How are you?" and "Nice to meet you." Introduce yourself, say your name, where you're from, and what you like. You can also ask the other person about themselves. These basic introductions will help you meet new people and make talking in English easier.
2. Talk About Your Day
When you can’t think you can always talk about your daily activities! Talk about your day! What did you have for breakfast this morning? Do you like to take a walk or go for a run every morning? Share these everyday bits of your life with others using expressions like "The funniest thing happened today…" or "Do you know that I…" It is also an excellent opportunity for you to practise new words and phrases and learn to talk in different everyday situations.
3. Share Your Likes and Dislikes
One of the best English topics for conversation is talking about your likes and dislikes. You can share your favourite foods, the places you like to visit, sports that you like or music you're into. You can talk about anything really! Also, remember to try and get your speaking partner to do the same. Conversations about your likes and dislikes will help you learn new words and improve your skills. It will also allow you to express yourself better with others in English.
4. Explore the City Where You’re Learning English
RPI College is located in North Vancouver, BC. If you study with us, you can explore North Vancouver and Vancouver with your classmates or people you meet there. Together, you can discover new things and learn about the local culture! Try asking your conversation partner about their favourite restaurants, secret spots, places, or special traditions. You can use phrases like "I want to try…" or "What's the most interesting thing about this city?" It’ll show that you're interested in different things and will help you make friends too.
5. Travelling Through Time with Memories
Sharing memories is one of the best conversation topics for English learners. It allows you to look back on some of the great experiences you’ve had as you continue to build your language skills. Do you remember a childhood moment or a memorable trip when you had a good time? You can talk about it and share those memories with others! Use words to talk about things that happened in the past, like "I went" or "I saw." Describe the details to paint a picture with your words. Ask your conversation partner about their experiences too! Use sentences like "Tell me about the time…" or "Have you ever been to…?" It will help both of you share your stories and get to know each other better.
6. Play the Game of "What If"
You can play a game with your conversation partner. It's like dreaming about different things that could happen. For example, if you could have a superpower, what would it be? Would you want to travel in time or be able to read minds? These kinds of questions are called ‘hypothetical questions’, and they're perfect way to continue a conversation in English! They help to get your mind working and you can practise using modal verbs like "could" and "would." You can share your own ideas and listen to others sharing their thoughts as well. It's a fun way to be creative and have fun talking to others!
7. Start a Conversation About Art
Think about things you really love, like your favourite book, movie, or song. You can talk about these art-related topics with others! Say what you like about it, using words that describe how it makes you feel, like "thrilling," "exciting," or "catchy." Also, ask your friends what they like! Use sentences like "Have you seen…?" or "What kind of music do you enjoy?" It might help you find new things you both like and become friends with people who share similar interests. Talking about art is like sharing a piece of your heart with someone else!
Bonus Tip: Don't forget the power of non-verbal communication! Even if English is new for you, your body can still say a lot. Smile as it makes people feel happy, make eye contact to show that you're paying attention, and use gestures to explain things and add clarity to your words.
Always remember that the secret to having good conversations is genuine interest and active listening. Ask more questions about what you hear, show your excitement, and don't be afraid to make mistakes. The only wrong thing you can say is nothing at all. Learning English is like going on an adventure, and every time you talk, you learn something new! So don't be shy; go out there and explore various English topics for conversation to improve your speaking skills.
If you want to take your English skills to the next level, join us at RPI College! We can help you learn this global language and introduce more fun and interesting conversation topics for English learners. Have fun on your language adventure!
Source: English Path
Read More PostsEmails have become an important part of our daily lives. We use them to connect with friends and family and communicate with our colleagues at work. In 2022, there were 4.26 billion email users worldwide, and this number is expected to reach 4.73 billion users by 2026.
As a result, emails have become a really popular way to connect with people, especially at work, since they allow you to talk to people both locally and internationally. However, writing good work emails in English can be difficult if you're still learning this global language. Today, we'll give you ten tips for writing an email in English.
*Please note RPI College also offers an RP Writing course.
The Basic Format for Writing an English Email
Before we learn about the tips for writing an email, it’s important to understand the different parts of a professional email. There are usually five main parts, but they can change based on who you're emailing and why. Let's learn more about these formats and write professional English emails.
1. Greeting: This part is about how you say hello to the person you're emailing. Your greeting should be polite and professional so that the person you're emailing feels respected and valued.
2. Introduction: Here, you explain the reason for your email and give the reader/recipient background information if needed. It can be anything from following up on an earlier conversation to mentioning an attachment in the opening line or even asking a question.
3. Body: This is where you write the main part of your message. The key thing is to be clear and not write too much because people might not have the time to read long emails. If you have a lot of things to say, you can use bullet points or lists to make it easier to read.
4. Closing: It's important to say goodbye to the person you are emailing and you can also end your email by thanking them for their time. There are different ways to do this, like saying "Thank you," "Best regards," or "Sincerely."
5. Signature: When you send an email, it's important to include your full name and any contact information the reader might need to reach you. This is called a signature. It helps the reader know who sent the message and how to contact you if they have any questions.
Now that you understand the basic structures of an email, let's look at some helpful tips for writing good English emails for work.
Tips for Writing an Email in English for Working Professionals
Here are ten useful tips for writing an email in English for work that are easy to understand, get your point across, and help you to avoid any issues. Let's get started!
1. The subject line should explain what the email is about
The subject line is the first thing the reader sees. So, you need to make sure that it is clear and to the point. Instead of just saying "Hi," you can write something like "Meeting reminder: Discussion about the social calendar." Keep it short and sweet!
2. Greet the reader properly and in a respectful manner
Start your email with a friendly greeting to create a good impression. If you're writing a formal email, you can use "Dear" followed by the person's name, like "Dear Jessica" or "Dear Mr. Smith." For informal emails, you can just say, "Hi John!" Just remember to be polite and show respect.
3. Introduce yourself clearly in the opening line
When you send an email to someone for the first time, introduce yourself clearly in the first line by mentioning your name and what you want to talk about. For example, you can say “Hi, I’m Adam and I am reaching out to discuss…” or “Ginny here, wanting to discuss….” If there's any important information that can help the person understand why your message was sent, you should include that too.
4. Try to keep all your English emails short and to the point
Be clear and direct about why you're writing. Remember, nobody wants to read a lengthy email, so use short sentences and paragraphs to make it easy to read. Get straight to the point with something like "I'm writing to ask you about…" or "I hope you're doing well! I wanted to share…". Remember, one email, one topic! Use bullet points to highlight important information. For example, “I need your help with…,” or “I'm available on…,” or even “Can you let me know by…?”
5. Use the right words and tone when writing a professional email
When you are writing a work email, it's important to choose your words carefully. Be polite and use professional language. For casual emails, you can be more relaxed but still avoid using slang or being too informal. Also, think about the tone of your message. If you want to sound friendly, use words like "please" and "thank you." If you are trying to deal with an issue, explain it nicely to maintain a good relationship. Remember, being polite is always important!
6. Organise your thoughts in a clear and logical way
When you're writing an email, take a few extra minutes to organise your thoughts and your message. Start with the main point or purpose of your message, and then provide more details. Finally, end with a clear sentence that tells the reader what you want them to do next.
7. Proofread your emails to check for errors
Always proofread your email before sending it. Check for spelling, grammar and punctuation errors. Read it out loud to yourself to hear if it sounds right and is easy to understand. You can also use spell-checkers and grammar tools to help you improve your writing.
8. Show respect for different cultures in your emails
When you talk to people from different cultures, it's important to respect different customs and traditions. This includes how you say hello, how formal you are, and how you communicate. Try to be friendly and positive and avoid being negative or rude. This will create a welcoming environment for everyone.
9. End your English email with a professional signature
When you send an email, it's important to have a closing phrase and signature at the end. If you're writing a formal email, you can use phrases like "Sincerely" or "Best Regards.” But if it's a more casual email, "Thank you" or "Best" will be fine. Your signature should have your full name, position, company or organisation, and contact information like your company phone number and email address.
10. Don’t let your mistakes stop you from writing better emails
Don't be afraid to make mistakes; everyone does! Just keep practising, and soon, you will be able to write emails like a champ! Remember, if you want to learn how to write professional English emails, join RPI College! Our team of experienced teachers are always here to help you on your English language journey!
Remember, the more you practise, the better you'll get! By following these tips for writing an email, you'll become more confident and skilled at emailing in English. So, go ahead and try them out!
Source: English Path
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